Deal ‘within sight’ to end Birmingham bin strike

Birmingham’s bin strikes look set to end following a yearlong pay dispute, after a new offer was made by the city council to the biggest trade union, Unite.

- HOLLY EVANS

Council leader John Cotton announced that an end to the long-running strike is “within sight” after a breakthrough in the bitter dispute over jobs and pay.

The dispute flared over council plans to remove a role in its waste recycling and collection service, which it insisted was necessary to make improvements and bring the service in line with other local authorities. Unite said the move would lead to pay cuts of around £8,000 for hundreds of its members, a figure the council has always disputed.

Rubbish piled up on Birmingham’s streets, leading to residents complaining about it being a health hazard. Rats described as the “size of dachshunds” were also reported, prompting fears it could result in a surge of rodent-borne diseases.